Zach Ertz‘s high ankle sprain may well have prevented a big trade. Prior to Ertz’s injury, the Eagles were willing to part with the eighth-year tight end before the Nov. 3 deadline, multiple NFL executives informed ESPN.com’s Jeremy Fowler (video link). The Eagles view Dallas Goedert as a long-term cornerstone, a position Ertz previously held in Philly, and the older of the team’s two prominent tight ends became embroiled in a contract dispute with the team during camp. Ertz sought a deal in the George Kittle–Travis Kelce neighborhood ($14MM-plus per year) and openly questioned whether the Eagles wanted him around. Ertz’s current contract — a four-year, $42MM pact — expires after the 2021 season. He will be on IR beyond the trade deadline.
Here is the latest from the NFC East:
- Although Joe Judge was interestingly noncommittal about Andrew Thomas‘ status earlier this week, Ian Rapoport of NFL.com tweets that the No. 4 overall pick is in good standing with the Giants and will start at left tackle Thursday night. The Giants used third-round rookie Matt Peart as their left tackle starter against Washington, making the change because Thomas violated a team rule. Thomas played just 22 snaps in Big Blue’s win. Through six games, Pro Football Focus slots Thomas 61st among tackles — behind three tackles that were taken after him in this year’s first round.
- The Eagles will continue to incorporate Jalen Hurts into their offense. Doug Pederson said this week using Hurts in a Wildcat-type capacity is something the Eagles are “definitely going to continue to explore each week,” via Eliot Shorr-Parks of 94 WIP. The second-round rookie has played 19 snaps this season, including a career-high seven last week. Hurts has completed one pass but is averaging 7.0 yards per carry on seven attempts.
- It is quite possible the Washington Football Team‘s mascot-less existence will continue into 2021. “There’s a pretty good chance we will be the Washington Football Team next season,” team president Jason Wright said (via John Keim of ESPN.com). The franchise made the change in mid-July.
- Key defensive personnel could return for the Cowboys this week. Sean Lee and Chidobe Awuzie returned to practice and could be activated ahead of Saturday’s deadline. Both players went on IR after Week 1. Lee’s return from a sports hernia issue would follow Leighton Vander Esch into Dallas’ lineup, giving the embattled defense its full set of first-string linebackers. Awuzie is attempting to come back from a hamstring malady.
- The Giants worked out a familiar player Thursday. They brought former first-round pick Corey Coleman back for an audition/checkup. The Giants re-signed Coleman in March but cut him ahead of the regular season. Coleman tore an ACL during the team’s 2019 training camp and has not played since.
Flip a coin! Heads would be the DC Sentinels and tails would be the Washington Red Tails.
Hey jerkoff, “red tails” would be the same offensiveness as “Redskins”.
Redtails is not offensive quit being a snowflake. They were black fighter pilots.
If it’s the Sentinels, Shane Falco will Return?
Washington Foolball Team seems to be the most appropriate name.
I like it. They are the only sports team w/o a mascot, its different. Incorporate DC into the uniform and they are set.
No mascot but they were the only team besides the Raiders to have a theme song….gonna miss that.
The Ertz news is no surprise at all. There are a couple of interesting possibilities there-Ertz’s lack of blocking prowess is pretty limiting though. The Patriots, for instance, are doubtful to trade for an older nonblocker looking for a big extension. But with Newton’s resurgence, they may be in a position to compete next year. Whatever team does it would have to just be looking for a little extra offensive production to complement an existing core of players. The Cardinals would be an interesting option, I think, in that regard, as well as Buffalo.
Not sure what resurgence you are talking about with Cam. Have you seen his team? Have you watched him? He can run but he can’t throw. Take out the Seahawk game which was a loss how has he done? Wait I guess it is the same can run but not pass. Not a resurgence but the same guy just older.
The resurgence is demonstrating that he can play. I do not know if you remember, but nobody was sure if he could even play at all this year. His running ability was also in question, given his injuries and his age.
Cam actually looks fine throwing the ball, and he did not his last year in Carolina. He’s really not that bad a passer, but his last year in Carolina he was atrocious in limited action. Could not get velocity on the ball, missed easy wide open targets that he usually hits, couldn’t throw an out-route to save his life. But he is making most of the throws so far.
NE’s receivers have been pretty bad, and that’s certain. Harry and Edelman have had some bad drops, Edelman in particular. Damiere Byrd has been, from my watching them, the most reliable per target, and he is not a starter. Cam is certainly playing at a higher level than his contract asks, that is certain.